Pens of Praise Christian Writers Group Meeitng Tomorrow Novemer 18

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
 
Monday, November 18, 2024
1:30 – 3:00 p.m
 
4Given Coffee Shop    
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220      info@4givencoffee.com
 
How convenient—grab a coffee or tea at the 4Given Coffee shop (and a Danish if you’d like) and attend the meeting in the conference room, which is located on the 2nd floor.

Thank you, Naomi for all the behind the scenes assistance that you provide! We appreciate you!  
 
WORK IT TOGETHER facilitated by Susan Marlene & guided by all of those attending. :) 
All ready to write that dream project? The one that tickles your fancy like no other? Let's talk shop and share ideas about getting started or running that extra mile to cross the finish line. We all want to share our hearts with each other and our readers! Bring your needs to the table, and we will work together, share insights, and use our experience to move into marketing beyond for our future publications. Maybe we can spin some social media madness, too? Each of our WORK IT TOGETHER sessions will be unique and tailored to the writers in attendance. 
We will try to get to everyone's projects, but we must work within the time allotted. I appreciate the wisdom of our group who honestly and kindly worked together to help and inspire one another!

Be ready to learn some great info from each other and have a lot of fun!
PROMPT: November Dreaming

Pens meetings are free and encouraging! We hope to see you there! 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

 

 

PENS OF PRAISE MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST MEETING & Book Signing Events Info

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

FALL INSPIRATION
 
Monday, October 21, 2024
1:30 – 3:00 p.m
 
4Given Coffee Shop    (The conference room on the left upstairs.)
MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th Street)
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220      info@4givencoffee.com
 
How convenient—grab a coffee or tea at the 4Given Coffee shop (and a Danish if you’d like) and attend the meeting in the conference room, which is located on the 2nd floor.

Thank you, Naomi for all the behind the scenes assistance that you provide! We appreciate you!  
 
WORK IT TOGETHER facilitated by Susan Marlene & guided by all of those attending. :) 
All ready to write that dream project? The one that tickles your fancy like no other? Let's talk shop and share ideas about getting started or running that extra mile to cross the finish line. We all want to share our hearts with each other and our readers! Bring your needs to the table, and we will work together, share insights, and use our experience to move into marketing beyond for our publications. Maybe we can spin some social media madness, too? Each of our WORK IT TOGETHER sessions will be unique and tailored to the writers in attendance. 
We will try to get to everyone's projects, but we must work within the time allotted. I appreciate the wisdom of our group who honestly and kindly worked together to help and inspire one another!

Be ready to learn some great info from each other and have a lot of fun!
PROMPT: The FALL That Brought RISE!

REMEMBER TO SHARE THESE DATES WITH OTHERS AND ATTEND THEM YOURSELF!
​
Saturday, November 2ND 
Coffee, Books, Author Signing Event
4GIVEN Coffee Shop
1034 S 18TH
MANITOWOC, WI
Talented baristas and a variety of local Manitowoc author books to view. Everything from children’s books to non-fiction to fiction! Something for everyone. We hope to see you there.
 
Saturday, November 9TH
SABBATICAL BREWING COMPANY
835 S 29TH St.
MANITOWOC, WI
PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS is hosting a local author signing event, and I’ll be there. I hope that you will also! Around 28 authors of various genre will have their books ready to sign for you.


Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers! We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

This 1885 version of Barnes's HISTORICAL SERIES, A BRIEF HISTORY of THE UNITED STATES, published by AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY, is full of drawings, fun history, and a couple of maps, too. The brief mentions of historical events --divided into Epochs-- have numerous footnotes that give accounts never mentioned in the history books I was familiar with in school. I love the old history books because they have interesting and heroic events that are often passed over in modern history classes. 

What a great find. This one is NOT for sale, but I did see several copies listed online! 
Happy hunting for those looking for old AMERICAN history by people who lived in those times.
 

SEER OF THE WILDWOOD, Bonded Realms, Book One By Regan Allen

 

Released on September 9th, book one of the new series, BONDED REALMS, has hit the shelves! 

Marya Santelyn from the Merchant’s Guild has a dangerous ability. Some call it a blessing, but others want to take advantage of her. Tam Radene considers Marya his prize after he rescues her and discovers her unique and rare gift. She would be a powerful ally, but if he won her heart, he could rule his tribe. That is a powerful motivation; he is not the only one seeking her out. I enjoyed the completion, danger, and adventuresome suspense woven expertly into this story.

I love SEER OF THE WILDWOOD’s fantasy world. This hasn’t been my go-to genre, but I just couldn’t put the book down. I will definitely be reading more fantasy in the future, especially from this series. Well-written and detailed fantasy world, people, cultures, and creatures had me on page one. The 3-D characters liven up the pages to bring this story home. This is NOT a fluffy story, but it does seem to have a heartbeat of its own.
 
The Kindle copy is $.99 cents, but that low price lasts until September 15th before the price goes up.

I was given this story and this is my honest review concerning SEER OF THE WILDWOOD by Regan Allen. 

The FREE prequel to SEER OF THE WILDWOOD review may be found on my website:

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/princess-of-the-shadows-by-regan-allen

You may find Regan Allen at:

 https://reganallenbooks.com/

MORE FROM THE BONDED REALMS SERIES:

LETHAL STANDOFF by Bestselling Author, DiAnn Mills

Fiction, romance, and suspense at its best! I expected an adventure but got more than I bargained for! Carrington Reed is a hostage negotiator. When 15 hostages are held by Will and Boyd Kendrix the unexpected happens, and the story takes off with these amazing characters that I want to know all about. Levi Ehrlich is an investigative reporter who covered some of Carrington's previous negotiations. He is a hero to look up to. He is talented, brave, and has to overcome challenges in his life, as does Carrington. 

This story is set in Texas, and I felt as though I was there. The characters are layered and interesting. The plot keeps rolling on and surprising me—such a satisfying read. 

LETHAL STANDOFF is well-written, fabulously researched, and painstakingly delivered onto the page. I always thought that the last novel that DiAnn shared was her best, but somehow, she delivered again, and my opinion upgraded to selecting LETHAL STANDOFF as DiAnn’s new best novel!

I loved the intricate way this story shares struggling families and a heroine and hero who shows a depth of caring for their welfare and risks all to serve and protect. The world needs more heroines and heroes like the ones I grew to care about as I read DiAnn’s novel. This is an author who knows the depth of human intentions, pain, motivations, and courage. I highly recommend LETHAL STANDOFF, and if you are like me—you will have a difficult time putting it down. You might want to schedule a pizza night!  ; )

DiAnn is a fabulous teacher, leader, writer, and friend. She weaves her genuine goodness and intelligence into stories that encourage, challenge, and deliver entertainment. This novel would be the perfect gift for a loved one. A grateful heart will always remember receiving a novel like LETHAL STANDOFF! 

I have one criticism . . . I want a second book with these characters because I already miss them!

You may find DiAnn Mills at  https://diannmills.com/ where you can sign up for her newsletter and discover more about her events and, of course, her other novels! 

 

A MATTER OF HONOR, Sequel to THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Award-Winning Laura Frantz

 A refreshing return of a sprinkling of characters from THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE.

This novella is a wish come true! I read every novel released by Laura Frantz and have been known for asking her, “Another, please?” causing me to relate to Charles Dicken’s character, Oliver Twist when he asks for another serving of food! 

Laura found a way to satisfy her reader’s requests! A MATTER OF HONOR is the sequel to THE ROSE AND THE THISTE, a lovely favorite of mine. Returning characters Orin Hume, Lady Blythe, and Everard Hume season this story with strength and influence. Laura shares characters who are delightful to remember, characters who inspire and struggle with huge yet believable challenges. Her antagonistic characters are equally selfish, strong, and interfering, thus creating the perfect amount of tension and difficulties, making A MATTER OF HONOR a story to remember.

This story begins in London, England, in 1739. The motivations of the characters are inspiring and interesting. I adore the 1700s; the customs and way of life are so different from 2024! I love how intimately this reader gets to know the hearts and motives of Orin Hume, Lady Maryn Lockhart, the beautiful Miss Ivory Lyon, Nicola, and Lord Marchmont—just to name a few. 

I highly recommend this clean, romantic novella, A MATTER OF HONOR. 

This story can be a stand-alone, but I prefer to read the first novel and then follow with the sequel. Should you trust my recommendation—I believe you will also feel that you are in for a treat! Novel after novel--Laura transports me to times and situations that engulf my attention and capture my heart. Will you be the next brave reader who will allow her to cast a net for your heart? Let me know if you do!


You will find Laura on her website:   https://laurafrantz.net/
And Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP --AUGUST MEETING

                                                    

Photo taken at House on the Rock.  https://www.thehouseontherock.com/

PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP 

 

Monday, AUGUST 19, 2024

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

 

Meet us at . . . 4Given Coffee Shop

MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th Street)

1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220      info@4givencoffee.com

 

How convenient—grab a coffee or tea at the 4Given Coffee shop (and a Danish if you’d like) and attend the meeting in Naomi’s new writing room or the conference room. We will keep you posted as the meeting date draws near!

 

Exploring D2D PUBLISHING

Facilitated by Susan Marlene. Bring your needs to the table. We will watch information about self-publishing with this company. We may also work together to share insights from our experience about marketing our publications. Maybe we can spin some social media madness, too? 😉 Just remember we must work within the time allotted. 

PROMPT: Why do you love to write?

Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!

We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

 

 

I was offered the opportunity to read a novella called I was offered the opportunity to read a novella called PRINCESS OF THE SHADOWS, and I’m delighted that I dipped a toe into this delicious fantasy story! The enjoyment I felt from entering the world where Lili Corvyna, a princess who is most kind, and Kanji, a Khorrum barbarian who is most skilled has been lasting and uplifting. Their interactions—while trying to find the rising power—were realistic and relatable, though they are in a fantasy land.
 
Kanji uses a secret ability that is foreign to Lili’s people, and I liked that they had to get to know one another and the cultures of their separate people groups.
 
This enchanting story sets up the novel to come, SEER OF THE WILDWOOD! PRINCESS OF THE SHADOWS is also free when signing up for Regan Allen’s newsletter at:
 
https://reganallenbooks.com/

SEER OF THE WILDWOOD!   Now up for preorder! Book 1 coming September 9 

#fantasyromancebook #lowspicefantasyromance #romanticfantasybook #bondedrealmsseries #seerofthewildwood #preorder

 

MYSTERY AT FLAMINGO BAY, The Tin Can Series by Award-Winning Author, Deborah Erdmann

 

Do you like stories full of humor and adventure?  Are you up to solving a mystery that has a slice of danger? A fun read? 

I was, and I'm so glad I read Deborah's book. It is 109 pages of entertainment. If you venture onto the pages of Mystery at Flamingo Bay—the first offering from The Tin Can Series—you will undoubtedly be kept guessing. Springing from the Mystery at Point Beach series, situated at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, this mystery occurs at a fictional Flamingo Bay Retirement Home in Florida. Both are fascinating locations and share bits of true history—worth spending time in summer, spring, fall, or winter.

Flamingo Bay offers an interesting change of scenery. Windsong's mother, Leah, is willing to involve herself in a dangerous situation that may help Dominic, Forest, and Sailor investigate a unique and unusual case.

The camping and retirement home scenes added to the tension and difficulties these teens face in this story. Deborah's humorous and snarky voice drew me into this story, and the secrets and mystery woven into the pages made me glad that I stopped in at the  MYSTERY AT FLAMINGO BAY. 
​
I'm keeping my watchful eye aware, as I impatiently wait for Deborah Erdmann's next offering! This novel is a youth fiction that also appeals to adults. 


QUESTIONS FOR DEBORAH:

Will you use the next story in The Tin Can Series as an excuse to travel to a new actual location so that you can keep writing fresh, inviting stories?

Actually, I just returned from a trip to Maine. I mentioned to family and friends that I wanted to go there since my next book will take place there, and everyone wanted to come, so we had a group of 10 women. Such fun! I visited a few places that I plan on using in my next book - Mystery at Stone Cove. My upcoming adventures for the last two books in the series will take me to the Muir Redwood Forest in California and Mount St. Helens in Washington.
​
Can young and old alike stop in to see you on social media? Where can your readers find you?  
 
You can visit me at:
 
https://www.facebook.com/TheTinCanSeries
https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach

INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of Sunrise Crik Series by Rebecca McLafferty

 Rebecca gently pulled me into her tale but then snatched my concern with a memorable scene from the past that offers a firm base for the story that unfolds. Toni Stevens is a single mom who runs her tree farm and financially provides for her children, mother, and tree farm workers during a difficult time. Fires and tree theft are wreaking havoc on her land, and Toni must find the courage to discover who is sabotaging her family's future. 

U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan, Toni's fiancé, has a dangerous job. Not only is he trying to connect with one of his fiancé's sons, who isn't interested in accepting him, but he is actively investigating possible arson, where someone perished in the fire. As he moves deeper into the forest, he faces other dangers. Drug runners are busy protecting their products from anyone who would get in their way. 

The main characters are strong and grow stronger as they meet each new disaster and challenge Rebecca brings to life with pen and paper. The character's struggles make them feel like personal friends. The thread of family history, unity, joy, and pain makes this novel a rich read for me.  I encourage you to check it out, too. 

Characters from INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik Series, were an added adventure and delight. INTENTIONAL FIRES was well-written. The tension kept me turning pages, and the hidden reason behind everything that happened in this story took me by surprise at the very end. What a satisfying and well-researched novel. The theme of INTENTIONAL FIRES is about overcoming your past. Certainly, it is a read worth visiting and revisiting.
​

Who do you trust? Who is worth trusting? Those questions circled my thoughts as I read INTENTIONAL FIRES, Book Two of the Sunrise Crik Series. I love a novel that inspires my soul and one that I can relate to. I couldn't wait to share my review of this novel with you.

Here is my review link for INTENTIONAL HEIRS, Book One of the Sunrise Crik series:
You will want to really check out the author interview following my book review of INTENTIONAL HEIRS! 

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/06-2020

You may find out more about Rebecca McLafferty and be advised of her next novel offerings at:

https://mclaffertyenterprises.com/books/
https://www.facebook.com/author.rebecca.mclafferty

P.S. Such a perfect cover by Roseanna White Designs 

​

The Book of Luke From the Founder's BIBLE & The Founder's BIBLE, Signature Historian DAVID BARTON

 I'm caught up in the mundane this month! Those summer projects like painting walls and going through closets and stuff to decide what to keep and what to not . . . and I had the pleasure of listening to the book of LUKE from my NKJV Audio Bible. Personally, I love to hold the books I read and flip through the pages while reading my Bible. But this time, I mostly listened as I painted our small bathroom and drank in the wonder of Jesus' earthly ministry. I do love to read a parable or chapter of the Bible. That is really good, but it gave me a whole new perspective to listen intently to the entire book of LUKE. No distractions or mind wandering—just hearing the Word.

Sometimes, when I'm reading the Bible, I notice a theme that touches me personally. Does that happen to you, too? This time, the noticeable theme was having faith in Him. 
When Jesus said, "Oh you of little faith . . ." or when He taught about some aspect of faith, my heart burned within me. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the petty, unimportant details and worry. That nasty five-letter word! I bet that you can relate to this. When we notice the whine, we need to run. Run and open the Bible and allow our spirit to settle, our minds to expand, and our worship to flow freely. 

I also benefit greatly from my other hand-held Bibles. The Founders' BIBLE shown above is one of my favorites. It's my most beautiful Bible, though the message is as pure and holy as my other versions. Included are references to great men from America's Revolutionary period--those who loved the Lord and the Bible and sacrificed much to form our government and make a nation where people can thrive and find Him. 

I hope that you will be inspired to take a l o n g read or listen to a book of the Bible. And then another and another. You will be blessed beyond your highest expectations! And you will also be a blessing to others. Doing the l o n g listen brought peace and joy to the forefront of my thoughts and heart. Somehow, I believe it will do the same for you!

I wish you happy reading or l o n g listening <3